Eco-Switch
Avoid Energy Wastage
Reviewed by Jo on 09 July 2008
Rating: 
The eco-switch makes it easy to turn off appliances by moving your power point switch to a more convenient location. This is ideal for turning off office equipment, entertainment systems and other ‘hubs’ which draw electricity while on standby.
Research by the University of NSW has calculated that standby power (power used by an appliance while plugged in but not performing its central function) accounts for up to 11.6% of Australia’s household electricity consumption, equivalent to more than one million cars on the road.
The eco-switch consists of a slim switch which inserts into your power outlet, connected via a lead to a basic power board, with a lead connecting the power board to a switch which can then be placed in a convenient position. To use the eco-switch, select the appliances or powerboard you want to control, and plug them into the female part of the eco-switch, then plug the eco-switch into the power point at the wall and turn on the wall switch. The actual eco-switch part can then be mounted at the location you want using the adhesive pad supplied.
The eco switch was the ABC-TV Inventor’s Peoples Choice Episode Winner 2007 and a Finalist in the New Inventor’s Peoples Choice Award for 2007. The eco-switch has a patent pending.
 | Made from recycled materials |
| Minimises the use of pesticides / fertilizers |
| Fairtrade |
| Aussie made |
 | Sustainable |
| Minimises chemical use |
| Lifecycle impacts considered |
Options
Cord length is 1.8 metres.
Up to 10amps/2400watts can be plugged into the eco-switch.
Cost – Under AU$20
Where to buy
The eco-switch will be launched very shortly and can be purchased online and will also be available through a number of homeware stores, supermarkets and other retail outlets.
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Raw material – The raw materials include copper, plastic and other metals sourced from a number of locations depending on availability. |
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Manufacturing – The eco-switch is manufactured in China. |
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Distribution - The eco-switch can be purchased in stores throughout Australia. Distribution from online retailers will be via Australia Post. The product is shipped to retailers from its manufacturing point in China. |
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Product use – The eco-switch is designed to be robust to provide long term reduction in the energy use of existing appliances. It can also be used to aid eco-friendly behavioural change, making it easier to turn electronic appliances off at the mains. This reduces phantom load / electricity leakage from appliances and adaptors in standby mode or when switched off (but which still use energy for digital displays such as stereos/DVD players, microwaves etc). |
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Waste management – The packaging is made from 100% recycled paper and is recyclable where facilities exist. At the end of life the plastic and metal elements of the eco-switch can be removed and elements, particularly the copper wiring, can be recycled. The product is designed to last and is guaranteed for 12 months from purchase. |